The Mediterranean Insider

Crete, Greece

The 5 best luxury and boutique hotels in Crete

The Mediterranean • Stay • The 5 best luxury and boutique hotels in Crete, Greece

Crete’s most stylish and personal hotel stays

Ask a dozen people about their favourite hotel, and you’ll likely get a dozen different responses. A favourite hotel is as much of a personal preference as your favourite movie, book or singer. The Mediterranean hotel scene is renowned for its luxurious and distinctive boutique hotels, each with its own unique story to tell. From charming family-run villas to five-star grand dames, these hotels offer an intimate and personal experience, regardless of size. With their striking architecture, bespoke interiors and impeccable service, these hotels are the epitome of style and luxury.

Overview: Crete’s top 5 hotels

01 Pnoé Breathing Life

02 Domes Zeen Chania

03 Ammos Hotel

04 Monastery Estate Venetian Harbor

05 Blue Palace

Pnoé Breathing Life

Step into Pnoé Breathing Life, an evocative adults-only haven pulsating with life, vitality, and presence, where whispers of Minoan architecture blend seamlessly with modernist flair. Bask in the cool welcome of iced strawberry tonics and scented hand towels before immersing yourself in one of 60 pool suites – a symphony of natural hues and textured serenity. Dining here is a masterstroke, crafted by one of Crete’s finest chefs, Panagiotis Magganas. The state-of-the-art spa beckons, offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy and a wellness coach for the perfect fusion of rejuvenation and relaxation.

Pnoé Breathing Life
Karteros Beach
Heraklion
Crete
Greece

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Photography courtesy of Pnoé Breathing Life

Domes Zeen Chania

Domes Zeen Chania is a stylish symphony of concrete, glass and exotic flora, striking an unanticipated harmony with the raw Cretan landscapes. The aesthetic allure extends to rooms outfitted by the trendy Copenhagen design house, Muubs, offering cool hues and soothing rattan textures. Indulge in wellness at the Soma Spa, get active at the breezy outdoor gym, or sample homemade tzatziki and slow-cooked lamb at the Beach House restaurant. Close to the Venetian harbour of Chania, this is a sanctuary for the sophisticated explorer.

Domes Zeen Chania
Apteron Road Parigoria
Chania
Crete
Greece

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Photography courtesy of Domes Zeen Chania

Ammos Hotel

Bask in the funky retro charm of Ammos Hotel in Chania, Crete. Poised beachside with playful design elements, from child-sized cactuses to mismatched seats by designers like Faye Toogood, this hotel brims with vibrant character. Proprietor Nikos Tsepetis ensures a swift, seamless service, while the restaurant tantalises with local delicacies reimagined. Just a hop away from Chania’s harbourside cafés and shopping lanes, Ammos is the perfect spot for style-savvy travellers seeking an effortless blend of laid-back vibes, unique design, and delectable cuisine.

Ammos Hotel
Irakli Avgoula
Chania
Crete
Greece

Photography courtesy of Ammos Hotel

Monastery Estate Venetian Harbor

Whisked away on a peaceful Chania alley, the Monastery Estate Venetian Harbor transports you to an elegant world of 15th-century grandeur infused with sleek modern design. Strolling across glass floors, gaze down at Chania’s original Roman walls while relaxing under striking stone arches. Enjoy creative Cretan cuisine in the courtyard restaurant or retreat to a hidden rooftop terrace, button-pressed into reveal. Unwind in the private spa’s ancient Turkish hammam before surrendering to the chic comfort of secret-door suites. Monastery Estate – a symphony of luxury, history and stylish minimalism.

Monastery Estate Venetian Harbor
Parodos 4th Kallinikou Sarpaki 40
Chania
Crete
Greece

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Photography courtesy of Monastery Estate Venetian Harbor

Blue Palace

At the Blue Palace, Crete, the historic allure of Spinalonga Island merges with modern elegance. Each day begins with champagne breakfasts and views of the Cretan Sea, while the evenings are adorned with the Pan-Asian flavours of Asia Deep Blue or the Greek culinary twists at Anthós. Contemporary design features, from dazzling chandeliers to chic infinity pools, echo through the resort. Relish a soothing deep tissue massage at the Elounda Spa or unwind at the private beach club, as the sun sets over the white-washed haven.